The modern lifestyle of consumerism has resulted in our tendency to clutter our lives, as well as our homes. Embracing a Japanese-inspired design will help you relinquish this overwhelming habit and turn to tranquillity and peacefulness. Japanese style is characterised by elegant simplicity and minimalism, which creates a unique ambience of serenity in a home. Its distinctive Zen vibe will not only make your space more open and balanced, but also inspire you to adopt a more mindful lifestyle. Therefore, if you want to turn your home into a tranquil sanctuary, you should welcome Japanese principles of design.
The living room transformation
A Japanese-inspired living room should exude a sense of elegance that stems from moderation and simplicity. A soft palette of muted natural colours is the perfect choice for your Zen living room. You should embrace soft cream, charming beige, rich brown, light green and subtle grey to create a calming atmosphere. When it comes to furniture, you should go a with low, simple design with modern, clean lines. Floor cushions, Shoji screens, sliding doors and simple lighting fixtures are all commonly used in Japanese-inspired spaces. As for decorations, you should stay moderate, focusing on origami-style embellishments, bonsai trees and houseplants. Origami figures are a major part of Japanese tradition and there are plenty of creative ideas that will help you introduce it into your home.
Simplicity in the kitchen
Functionality, minimalism and simplicity are some of the main Japanese principles that you should introduce into your kitchen. Your space should be open and airy, with a functional and convenient design. Wood, natural stone and metal are all beautiful material options that you can use for giving your Zen kitchen an organic touch. Nature is deeply rooted in Japanese interior design, so you should use herbs and houseplants to decorate and freshen up your space. You can also display lovely ceramic kitchenware collections, especially those with innate imperfections. This will help you capture the beauty of wabi-sabi, a Japanese philosophy of embracing all things transient and imperfect.
The peaceful bathroom retreat
In Japanese interior design, the bathroom is the place for rejuvenation and relaxation, filling you with revitalising energy. As such, it exudes peacefulness, serenity and simple elegance and features a design that incorporates natural materials, such as wood and stone. It’s important that you soothe and appeal to all of your senses, so make sure to introduce essential oils, bath salts and meditative background music. A soaking tub is one of the most distinctive characteristics of Japanese-inspired bathrooms. You can even design a Japanese-style sauna where you can relax and enjoy quiet meditation.
The bedroom of serenity
As another place for relaxation and rest, your bedroom should have an atmosphere of simplicity and tranquillity. A subtle, neutral colour scheme of pale blues, soft greys and gentle beiges will help you relieve all the stress and tension. Once again, focus on clean, simple lines and a low design when it comes to your bedroom furniture and remember that functionality comes first. You should cover your floors with traditional Japanese tatami mats made of rice straw. Lighting also plays a crucial role in creating a soothing, gentle atmosphere. You should introduce lighting fixtures with a soft glow that will create a play of shadow and light. Choose fixtures made of wood, parchment, natural silk, porcelain and glass.
The Zen garden
Japanese interior design encourages establishing a sense of unity with nature, which is why outdoor spaces are as important as the interior. A Japanese-style garden features simple structures that help create a natural, organic look. A water feature is essential in such an environment, contributing to the peaceful atmosphere. If possible, you should design a koi pond with a lovely bridge. Gravel, stones and bamboo are the most dominant materials in a Zen garden. As for plants, Japanese maple, phillyrea, conifers, bamboo, nandina, fatsia, camellias and flowering cherries are just some of the enticing options.
We all need to free ourselves from clutter that overtakes our homes and our lives. The simplicity and moderation of Japanese style will help us get rid of unnecessary items and find out what we really need in everyday life.